Rainy Season in Costa Rica: 6 Amazing Things To Do

Rainy season in Costa Rica – ever thought of going? Don’t Let The Words ‘Rainy Season’ Fool You. Here Are 6 Amazing Things To Do During Costa Rica’s Wettest Months…

The rainy season sounds a little rough, like it might be day after day of endless downpours and muddy ground. Spanning from the beginning of May right through to the end of November, it might be hard to see why anyone would want to visit Costa Rica during these months.

I mean, the last thing you might want to see is more rain – right?

Well, not quite. As you’ll soon see, Costa Rica’s green season, which runs from May to November, offers a whole different look and feel to the country. There are many reasons why you should visit Costa Rica in these months. In this article, we’ll going to show you why this is still a great time to visit Costa Rica and give you the top 6 things to do.

Does it Rain A Lot in Costa Rica?

You’ll be glad to know Costa Rica’s rainy season doesn’t just turn into a tropical downpour from May 1st onward. Weather patterns vary by region. Rain builds gradually, peaking in September and October before gradually giving way to dry season again in December.

So, while it’s technically wet season, the months of May to July – known locally as little summer – are still great months to visit, typically sunny with light afternoon rains. There’s sunshine to be enjoyed in the early parts of the day.

Even during the rainiest months in Costa Rica, there are still destinations with beautiful weather. On the Caribbean side, September and October are actually the driest months. That makes it a perfect time to visit the Caribbean coast, especially if you want sunny days without the high-season crowds.

And don’t worry about hurricanes. Because Costa Rica sits below the hurricane belt, the country is shielded from these damaging storms. It’s part of what makes this beautiful country such a year-round destination.

Interested in learning more about Costa Rica? Here’s 10 more things you probably didn’t know about this beautiful country.

Benefits of Heading to Costa Rica During Rainy Season

#1

Better Deals

The Costa Rica rainy season means lower prices and fewer crowds. That’s a win-win for travelers during the off season, and means there are more deals and discounts to be found.

• You’ll be able to find cheaper accommodation, even in top-rated destinations
• Get better rates on bike, ATV, and car rentals
• Find excellent discounts on tours and flights into San José or Liberia

If you’re budget-conscious, the best time to fly to Costa Rica is during transitional months like September or October. But the entire stretch from August to October typically sees the lowest airfare into the country.

If you’re trying to cut expenses, Costa Rica’s rainy season is a great opportunity to save some money and still experience this lush, beautiful place in all its glory.

#2

Local Cultural Events to Experience

Want a deeper cultural connection during your trip? If you’re one to mix with the locals and see what, where, and how they celebrate local events – rainy season is the time to visit, especially in August and September. From turtle nesting to whale watching, Costa Ricans are proud of their country and like to celebrate the events that bring them some of the most unique experiences the world has to offer.

You can witness nesting sea turtles or join festivals celebrating regional heritage, and from the Osa Peninsula to the Central Valley, Costa Ricans proudly show off their culture. From the Caribbean coast towns to Pacific coast villages, local events are where you’ll find true Costa Rica, the soul of the country.

#3

Cooler Temperatures 

There’s no denying it: we all love a bit of sun. But let’s be honest – daytime temperatures in Costa Rica can be hot, especially during dry season. However, the rainy season brings slightly cooler days and crisp, refreshing nights. It’s still sunny most mornings, and as the rain arrives in the afternoon things will start to cool the climate down. For many, this is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty in many regions, like cloud forests and rainforests, without intense summer heat.

#4

You Can Still Enjoy The Sun!

Don’t let “rainy” fool you. It’s not constant rain. The weather is a unique blend of rain and sunshine, is highly region-specific, and often sunny earlier in the day. And remember, the Caribbean coast sees less rain while Costa Rica’s Pacific coast experiences its wet months.

Costa Rica Rainy Season: Top 6 Things To Do

Let’s dive into some of the best things to do on your trip during Costa Rica’s rainy season.

#1

Get The True Rainforest Experience

Where the sun dries everything up in the dry season months, the rain brings it all back to life in the rainy months. Rich and vibrant colors take place everywhere. From, waterfalls, rivers, wildlife, flowers, trees – you name it, the wet season brings it all back to full bloom again. Just add light rain gear and shoes with good traction to your packing list.

As mentioned above, the weather patterns and rain also brings the average temperature down. You’ll be able to get a true rainforest experience in the green landscape without the scorching heat the summer months bring.

Quick note: If you plan to do any activities or tours, try and schedule them in as early as possible. This tends to be the driest part of day. Also, remember to pack suitable clothing and if you plan to drive anywhere, make sure you rent a 4×4 as the roads might get a little hard to handle with the shift in Costa Rica’s weather.

#2

Experience ‘Turtle Season’

Every year between August and December, Ostional beach is home to what locals call ‘Arribada’, or in English – ‘Arrival’. It involves hundreds of thousands of nesting female sea turtles coming to lay their eggs. They climb up on the beach, choose a spot and lay anywhere between 80-100 eggs at a time.

Around 40-55 days later these eggs will hatch. Each baby turtle will have to make the arduous journey out of its nest, across the sand and into the beach – evading vultures, dogs and raccoons along the way.

From the moment the eggs are laid to the time they start making their first steps towards the ocean, locals and visitors alike are allowed to protect and secure ‘safe passage’ to the water.

It’s such a remarkable event and is something that should be on your Costa Rican checklist you plan to visit during these months of the green season.

#3

Take Part in the Annual Whale and Dolphin Festival

Costa Rica has some of the most enviable whale activity in the world. There are two migrations, with the largest one happening right in the peak of rainy season.

Around the middle of September, people gather for the annual Whale and Dolphin Festival. Locals and tourists wait in anticipation to see the southern humpback whale arrive on the coasts of Costa Rica. These humpback whales have made the long journey from the Antarctic and have come to give birth to their calves.

The most common way to watch the whales is by boat; however you can also experience the whales up close and personal by SUP and Kayak.

The festival is a great opportunity to:

• Learn about humpback whales
• Find and book a whale watching tour
• Take part in other organized activities

#4

Go Water Rafting

Like many of the other outdoor activities on this list, you can go water rafting in the height of summer – no problem. However, it’s far better in rainy season! Here’s why… As the rain falls, the rivers rise – and this is what makes it the best time for whitewater rafting.

There are 14 river systems that start in the mountains and work their way down giving you plenty of options to choose from depending on your skills level. Whether you’re going with family, as a couple or as a seasoned professional – there’s something for everyone.

It’s worth mentioning however, the higher up you go the more difficult the rivers become. So plan accordingly!

#5

Go Fishing

As the rain falls onto the land during the green season, it starts to push and move the wood, logs and trees into the ocean. This gives the fish structure to huddle under and provide a great place to your next catch all while exploring the waters around Costa Rica’s coastlines.

Rainy season is widely considered the best time to fish for grouper, snappers and roosterfish. While offshore, yellow fin tuna, dorado and triple tails are what to look out for.

#6

Do Some Indoor Activities

Don’t forget – Costa Rica’s rainy season is also a great time to relax and enjoy slower moments. From visiting the Jade museum in San José to entertaining yourself at the Bat Jungle in Monteverde – you’ll be able to find something that’s bound to make you smile, laugh, be intrigued, and overall enjoy your Costa Rican getaway.

Here’s a a list from Trip Advisor we recommend checking out

After a morning of activities in the sun the afternoon rain can bring a welcome break to the heat – a great way to enjoy a book and listen to the rain.

Overall, while the Costa Rica rainy season is, well…wet (at least part of the day), there are plenty of opportunities this brings. Whether it’s taking a hike through the rainforest in July, watching turtles hatch in August or witnessing the migration of the southern humpback whales in September, there’s a whole array of things to do around the months of May to November.

Just be prepared. Pack suitable clothing and equipment and plan your journeys in advance. That way you’ll ensure to get the bulk of your activities done during the morning. That is, if you don’t enjoy the refreshing afternoon and evening rain showers.

At Special Places of Costa Rica, we have a wide range of accommodations, from modern condos to luxurious mansions, to serve as your base to explore. Come see this amazing country in an unexpectedly beautiful time to visit. Browse our listings today and find the perfect place to call home during your stay!